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Georg Schumann – a Post-Wagner composer?

This is the first time I’ve heard the music of Georg Schumann — but not the first time CPO’s released it. This recording is the fourth of G. Schumann’s music. Previously, CPO’s released his first symphony, a disc of lieder, and one of chamber music.

Georg Schumann (no relation to Robert), was the longtime director of the Sing-Akademie in Berlin and composition professor at the Prussian Academy of Arts. He enjoyed a 60-year relationship with the Berlin Philharmonic, providing musicians for choral works, and occasionally original compositions.

So what’s my impression of this then-prominent but now-obscure composer? Listening to his 1905 Symphony, the phrase “post-Wagner” came to mind. Schumann meant his Symphony No. 2 to capture the heroic spirit. He does so in a more conservative fashion than Strauss with Ein Heldenleben (written seven years before).

Included are two overtures that provide a nice contrast to the symphony. The 1906 Overture to a Drama is filled with sharp contrasts, keeping the listener off-balance until the very end.

The Lebensfreude overture is a jolly little work. This is the music of the operetta and Oktoberfest.

The Deutsches Symphony-Orchester Berlin directed James Feddeck does an outstanding job with this music. Schumann gives the orchestra lots to do, and they seem to enjoy every minute of it. No question — I need to seek out those other recordings. I’ve got some catching up to do.

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